DETROIT -- Toyota Motor Corp. hopes to continue working with Tesla Motors Inc. on battery technology even after a battery-supply agreement between the two companies ends this year, Toyota’s head of North American engineering and manufacturing said Thursday.

Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota’s North American region, said Toyota sees battery-electric vehicles as viable only in select circumstances such as shorter distances -- from the office to the train, or home to the train -- as well as for use on large corporate campuses.

Lentz said Toyota believes there are better alternatives, such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and eventually, fuel cells, for long-range travel needs.